Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is said to be one of the oldest grapes to be cultivated and turned into wine.  The ancient Romans grew it as early as the first century, only they knew it to be helvenacia minor.  It is grown in virtually every country that produces wine on God's-green-earth, and it is, without question, my personal favorite glass of wine.  Period.

Pinot was recently made increasing-popular in this country by the 2004 movie Sideways, in which Mr. Paul Giamatti had this to say about the grape.

He is right when he says pinot noir is a difficult grape to grow, though it is probably the easiest grape to enjoy.  The grape is "thin-skinned" which mean it is more vulnerable to the elements of sunlight, rain, temperature, etc.  It is for this reason that it flourishes in slightly cooler climates, like Oregon's Willamette Valley and Burgundy, France.  The warm regions of Napa Valley in California, or Italy's Piedmont, prove to be too sunny, too hot for pinot noir.
(By the way, if you want to plunk down some dough for a special occassion or to impress a date, a pinot noir from Willamette Vally won't leave you dissapointed.)

Taste

I am convinced that the most beautiful, intense, and intoxicating aromas are found in pinot noir.  It has been said that the wine "lingers on the palate, and in the memory" and it's true.  It smells like cherries and earth -- in a good way.  Yes this is possible, you have to trust me.

Good pinot noirs can be found around $10 (while GREAT ones can be found under $20).  Mark West in Sonoma County, CA makes a really nice 2007 Pinot Noir:

 Most wine stores will have it, or can order it for you if you want.  I hope you give it a try!

Here's another funny Sideways clip:  "F@*%ing merlot!"